Naval Academy public information officer Commander John Schofield confirmed Wednesday night that the Midshipmen's game would be played.

Army's game at Boston College and Air Force's game at Navy in Annapolis, Md., were in jeopardy after the Defense Department temporarily suspended sports competition at the service academies as a result of the budget impasse in Congress.

The football rivalry between Navy, which practiced Tuesday, and Air Force dates to 1960, and they have played each other every year since 1972. Saturday's game is sold out.

Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said earlier Wednesday that his athletic department had provided information to Pentagon officials to assure them that no government funds will be spent on any aspect of the game. Gladchuk said a Navy home game brings in about $4 million from tickets, sponsorship, television and radio rights fees, and other revenues such as parking and concessions. The game essentially pays for itself, he said.